24 October 1874


Retrenchment Association; Fourteenth Ward Meetinghouse, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory

White building with wood trim, Salt Lake City, circa 1890

Salt Lake City Fourteenth Ward meetinghouse and assembly hall, circa 1890. (Courtesy Church History Library.)

[. . .]

Couns Miss E. R. Snow

Since meeting with you last I have met with the Young Ladies Gentlemen of Ogden. They met in the City Hall which was filled to overflowing. They say they enjoy themselves better at these meetings than at parties. The angels meet with them although their eyes cannot behold them. In the spring the presiding elders suggested that their meetings be adjourned till Fall on account of the short evenings [n.p.] but the members objected to this movement and continued to hold their meetings all summer. The meeting in Grantsville which was organized last summer is progressing finely. We also organized an association in Too[e]le <and they also realize quite an improvement> where there are many influences that tend to lead astray; they also realize quite an improvement in their meetings the young. When those who are opposed to us come in a smooth velvety manner they are more dangerous than open opposition. This Masquerade ball is one of the most degenerating amusements that has been introduced into our midst it brings together all kinds. As We should keep ourselves apart as a peculiar people. I hope my young sisters will have enough of the spirit of God to know which which is right or wrong. You are taking noble steps and will <to> become noble <useful> women, seek unto God for wisdom that you may not step aside. Be honest never stoop to lie. When I was young my mother told me never to do any thing unless I told her. I dared not tell a lie for that would be singing sin[n]ing I wanted to do something good. Once read of a man who treasured up one good maxim every day how <what> wise women you would be if you would do that. See every day if we cannot live without <making> a blot. Cultivate punctuality and never let it be said of you that you are always behind If you cultivate punctuality, truthfulness and honesty you will have a foundation laid to become bright and shinging shining lights. We want to feel and realize that God is our Father It is only a little while time before the Savior will come and will appear upon the mount of Olives and it will cleave in twain, for the words of the angel to christs deciples [Christ’s disciples] [n.p.] were “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing for this same Jesus which you have seen going up into heaven shall in a like manner again come to the earth” I believe that my young sisters will behold him Let us live as saints and overcome all that is is evil in us and abandon all that is not of God, and be as such as God will delight to own you

[. . .] [n.p.]

Source Note

Retrenchment Association, Meeting Minutes (1871–1874), n.p., CHL (CR 129 1); Margaret M. Groo, Secretary.

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24 October 1874, Retrenchment Association; Fourteenth Ward Meetinghouse, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, The Discourses of Eliza R. Snow, accessed November 7, 2024 https://chpress-web.churchhistorianspress.org/eliza-r-snow/1870s/1874/10/1874-10-24